'Crossing the Line' is a brilliant documentary of the life of Pfc James Dresnok since he defected as a young US soldier to North Korea in the mid-Sixties. He is said to be the only such living defector left in that country today. The two British men who made this film, it seems, were only given permission to do so as they had previously made a popular film about the North Korean football (i.e. soccer) team who as tremendous underdogs beat the mighty Italian team in the late stages of the 1966 World Cup. This documentary provides a fascinating portrait of James Dresnok's unique life. Whilst doing so, it allows the viewer to see a little of what is life in North Korea. I strongly recommend that others buy this DVD.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Last Exit to Brooklyn
(1989)
Last Exit to Brooklyn
23 November 2007
'Last Exit to Brooklyn' is an icon of a film which I strongly recommend as one of the most special films one could ever hope to watch.
It is a brilliant adaption of the controversial book of interconnected stories depicting low life in 1950's Brooklyn by Hubert Selby Jr., which was the subject of an obscenity prosecution at the Old Bailey in London in the 60's. The trial Judge stated that he became depraved by simply reading this book, but the defence won on appeal!
The film is as moving as the book. Jennifer Jason Leigh is perfect as Tralala,and the scene of her walking down the pavement flanked by uniformed police officers going to stop an affray is priceless. All the other actors are superb. The scenery and colour is magnificent, as is the soundtrack.
It is a brilliant adaption of the controversial book of interconnected stories depicting low life in 1950's Brooklyn by Hubert Selby Jr., which was the subject of an obscenity prosecution at the Old Bailey in London in the 60's. The trial Judge stated that he became depraved by simply reading this book, but the defence won on appeal!
The film is as moving as the book. Jennifer Jason Leigh is perfect as Tralala,and the scene of her walking down the pavement flanked by uniformed police officers going to stop an affray is priceless. All the other actors are superb. The scenery and colour is magnificent, as is the soundtrack.
Fortune and Men's Eyes
(1971)
'Fortune and Men's Eyes' review
27 August 2007
'Fortune and Men's Eyes' is a film which I recommend as interesting viewing for anyone who wishes to watch an early story of important gay cinema.
It's author, the late playwright Jonhn Herbert, is an icon of gay writing.
This is a story based on John Herbert's own unfortunate true experience as an inmate as a teenager in a penal institution in Canada, wrongly imprisoned after being the victim of gay bashing. It is a play that later became a film.
I recommend that you watch this film despite the fact that it is old, to say the least.
It's author, the late playwright Jonhn Herbert, is an icon of gay writing.
This is a story based on John Herbert's own unfortunate true experience as an inmate as a teenager in a penal institution in Canada, wrongly imprisoned after being the victim of gay bashing. It is a play that later became a film.
I recommend that you watch this film despite the fact that it is old, to say the least.
The Boys in the Band
(1970)
'The Boys in the Band' review
27 August 2007
This is one of the most significant gay films ever.
It has been transformed from a play to a film in such a way that one would not know it was originally a play. An excellent script with brilliant acting.
I recommend that anyone who has the chance watch the film version, and anyone who has the special chance of watching it performed as a play (in the rare event that this were to take place) rushes off to see it.
Although this film dates back to 1970, it does not matter as the topics of the story are timeless. I only wish I could see a stage version of 'the Boys in the band'. I stupidly missed it when there was a play version in London not so long ago.
It has been transformed from a play to a film in such a way that one would not know it was originally a play. An excellent script with brilliant acting.
I recommend that anyone who has the chance watch the film version, and anyone who has the special chance of watching it performed as a play (in the rare event that this were to take place) rushes off to see it.
Although this film dates back to 1970, it does not matter as the topics of the story are timeless. I only wish I could see a stage version of 'the Boys in the band'. I stupidly missed it when there was a play version in London not so long ago.
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